We would like to invite all science enthusiasts to join us on Friday evening, 10 October of the current year to the EC1 Science and Technology centre in Lodz. Lodz Night of Scientists, which will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., will make it possible for you to discover the fascinating world of scientific discovery in an accessible and engaging way! Workshops, demonstrations, laboratory experiments, inspiring lectures and conversations with researchers will be waiting for you.
This is the third time the University of Lodz community has participated in this unique event, which lets us understand the truths of the world around us using reliable research methods. We believe that in the era of post-truth and widespread access to false information, seeking reliable sources of knowledge is crucial.
This year, our university is represented by members of the following faculties and units of the University of Lodz: Biology and Environmental Protection, Economics and Sociology, Physics and Applied Informatics, International and Political Studies, Management, Philology, as well as students from the Inter-Faculty Student Science Club for Popularisation of Science and high school students distinguished in the UniLodz Innovation Laboratory project.
The EC1 Science and Technology Centre is opening its doors to all of its visitors. Look for us in various locations and at various times; you'll find 15 different events prepared by the University of Lodz community.
The "Alchemist's Chamber" (the room adjacent to the purple laboratory):
- continuous screenings available without registration.
The demonstration will feature a forensic case and selected forensic techniques used to secure evidence during forensic examinations. Furthermore, the discovery and securing of fingerprints using fingerprint powders and ink pads will be demonstrated.
The Purple Laboratory:
- workshops on "Application of molecular research in determining the sex of birds". Students from the Ornithologists' Student Science Club at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz will lead the workshops.
Birds often look similar regardless of gender, so identifying them requires specialised methods. During the labs, you'll perform DNA electrophoresis to determine the sex of the individual birds. You'll also learn why this information is so important in scientific research.
- the "Crime Scene Secrets – Become a Forensic Technician for an Evening" experiment
Every detail matters at a crime scene – from fingerprints to scent traces. During the course, you'll learn about forensic equipment and trace detection techniques, such as fingerprinting, trace analysis and osmology. You'll also see how chemistry can reveal invisible evidence. The course will be led by students and graduates of the Forensic Biology study programme at the University of Lodz.
The upper hall of the Experimental Theatre:
- "The Renaissance Art of Love, or the ABC of Aphrodisiacs" workshop prepared by the Romance Studies Student Science Club operating at the Institute of Romance Studies at the Faculty of Philology of the University of Lodz
First, we'll discover the fascinating history of love potions and spices that have stimulated the imagination and senses for centuries. You'll hear stories about Renaissance flirting masters, courtly intrigues and magical recipes for love. Then, we'll move on to the practical part: you'll have the opportunity to smell, feel and taste selected aphrodisiacs, learn their French names, and see how they affect the senses.
The lower hall of the Experimental Theatre:
- "True or false? Debunk! How to check the credibility of information" workshop led by students from the Inter-Faculty Student Science Club for Popularisation of Science.
The internet, television, as well as family and friends, provide us with a wealth of information every day. We're often lost in this deluge. We can even feel vulnerable, especially since not only errors but also deliberate disinformation are commonplace today. Therefore, we often repeat, often without thinking, the information we encounter. Age, gender, education or religious beliefs don't matter. No one is immune. However, we can make fewer mistakes, especially in situations that are important to us. Can we not only develop certain habits but, above all, learn how to verify information? How to do it quickly? Which sources can we trust and why? Everyone can learn all of this. It doesn't matter whether you're at school, college, or retired. We'll help you feel more confident.
At the exhibition, look for the University of Lodz stands, such as:
- "Robots, control and autonomy" where you will meet dr hab. Witold Kozłowski, the UniLodz Physicists and Computer Scientists Student Science Club from the Faculty of Physics and Applied Informatics of the University of Lodz.
A demonstration of the skills of small robots built from LEGO bricks. The use of microcontrollers in everyday life is becoming so widespread that it's difficult to imagine modern life without them. This widespread use is due to the enormous possibilities and innovations offered by modern microcontrollers, which are used in the construction of drones and 3D printers.
- “Let's look beneath the surface - what lives in the rivers of Łódź!”
- "What's buzzing in your ear? – Lodz mosquitoes!"
The demonstrations at the stand are prepared by Jarosław Brodecki, a student from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz, together with the Student Science Club of Invertebrate Zoology of the University of Lodz.
During Show 1, we'll discover what lives hidden beneath the surface of waters in Lodz! This will be an opportunity to observe animals living daily in the rivers of Lodz. What does their presence say about the quality of our industrially infested waters? The show participants will have the opportunity to discover this! During Show 2, we'll present examples of mosquito species found in Lodz. This will be an opportunity to learn more about why mosquitoes should be observed, how they can be monitored in urban environments, and why this is essential in times of anthropogenic climate change.
- "University of Lodz Innovation Laboratory – students have a voice in science!" under the supervision of Dr Jolanta Bieńkowska.
Winners of the fourth edition of the Innovation Laboratory, a competition for high school students from the region of Lodz, will present the immersive experience "Understanding Neuroatypical People," the "ReAction" game for allergy symptoms, and a microplastic filter.
They will be accompanied by students from the Faculty of Management and the Faculty of International and Political Studies of the University of Lodz with their projects: "Seeing the Invisible," experiencing art through touch, and mini exhibitions: "Not Every Stain Can Be Washed," which addresses violence, and "Choose. Better," which addresses the issue of industrial meat production.
- "Understanding Barriers" is a stand prepared by Student Science Club Social Force from the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz.
What's the daily life of people with disabilities like? At the interactive booth, you'll experience it up close – you'll try using a wheelchair, see how goggles that simulate vision impairments work, and test specialised keyboards and scanners. It's a practical, experiential lesson in empathy and inclusion.
"Back to the Past – Anthropological Puzzles" is hosted by representatives of the Antropołowcy Student Science Club from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, under the supervision of Dr Beata Borowska. Expect puzzles addressed to visitors of all ages.
This evening, you can also expect interesting lectures prepared for you by students and scientists from our university.
In three different places of the EC1 Science and Technology Centre you will be able to listen to the following lectures:
“Czy emocje w polityce zagranicznej mają znaczenie?” [Do emotions matter in foreign policy?] By Dr Przemysław Piotr Damski
Do you think that politics should be all about arguments and professionalism, with emotions kept in check? During this lecture, we'll examine the role emotions and interpersonal relationships play in leaders' actions. This is a look at diplomacy from a less obvious, yet very human perspective.
"Jak uratować planetę nie wychodząc z domu: krótki przewodnik dla zaangażowanych" [How to save the planet without leaving home: a short guide for those involved] This is a proposal by Prof. Krzysztof Pabis, Vice-Rector for Popularisation of Science and Education at the University of Lodz.
Climate change, pollution, and urbanisation are accelerating the loss of biodiversity on our planet. During this lecture, we will discuss how each of us – despite limited resources – can make a real difference in protecting the environment. This is an opportunity to collectively consider paths forward in the face of global challenges.
"Śpiew" łódzkiego stawu – o płazach miasta Łodzi" [The Song of the Lodz Pond – About Amphibians of the City of Lodz] The lecture will be given by Jarosław Brodecki, a student of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz.
As spring begins, we begin to hear more of the sounds of nature. However, this isn't always due solely to birds! During this presentation, you'll learn who "sings" from ponds in Lodz, what amphibians we can find in the city, and why they should be protected.
"Kryminalne puzzle: jak antropolodzy sądowi odczytują przeszłość" [Criminal Puzzles: How Forensic Anthropologists Read the Past] by Dr Beata Borowska.
Forensic anthropology is a field of study that combines human biology, medicine and forensic science. Forensic anthropologists assist in criminal investigations, mass disasters, and historical research, giving a "voice" to those who can no longer speak for themselves. Come and see for yourself.
"Magia wokół nas - na styku popkultury i najnowszych osiągnieć inżynierii" [Magic around us - at the intersection of pop culture and the latest engineering achievements] lecture will be delivered by Prof. Paweł Kowalczyk.
Some "magical" movie gadgets, like flexible displays and invisible materials, are increasingly becoming fictional. During this lecture, you'll see how modern science translates special effects into real-world technologies.
This evening, “meetings with science” will also be offered by:
- Lodz University of Technology,
- Medical University of Lodz,
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies (CMMS) of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
- Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
- European Space Agency (ESA).
The full programme and tickets can be found on the EC1 Łódź website (in Polish)
The event is held under the patronage of the Mayor of Lodz and the Lodz Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Source: University of Lodz, EC1
Edit: Honorata Ogieniewska, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
